Putin Supports Medvedev's Plan To Consolidate Government Agencies

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled support for plans by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to consolidate some government agencies and services in response to shrinking budget revenues.

The proposals come as Russia continues to suffer from low global oil prices and international sanctions imposed over the Kremlin's annexation of Crimea and its support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Medvedev on February 2 called for the Russian Border Services Agency to be dissolved, saying that its tasks can be conducted by the Transport Ministry.

He also called for the Russian Financial Supervision Service, Rosfinnadzor, to be consolidated with the Federal Treasury.

Medvedev was meeting with senior officials on February 2 to discuss an action plan to help Russia's troubled economy during 2016.